Something’s come up

‘I love this time of year. Easter, the Masters. My birthday.’ ‘Does that mean we can expect the traditional order … More

Under the fingernails

The book is already seated at the desk when I enter my office. Papers and books are strewn over every surface. … More

The book is unwell. It sends its best wishes to all readers who have been asking after it. It may … More

‘I’m going away for a bit.’ ‘Can I come?’ says the book. ‘I was hoping to leave you at home,’ … More

‘Wake up!’ The book is shaking me by the shoulder. It is very dark, no sign of light at the … More

‘People are talking you know.’ It is mid-afternoon and I have crashed out for a nap. The book has come … More

I wrote a book with my coat I wrote with the coat of my childhood and I wrote with … More

‘Did you miss me?’ ‘It was only a couple of days.’ ‘Yes, but did you miss me?’ ‘Barely two days.’ … More

I am minding my own business, gazing out of the window, when the book appears. It looks as though it … More

‘I think we’re done,’ the book says. ‘Are you leaving?’ ‘I think so, yes.’ ‘So you’re going then?’ ‘Yes. I … More

‘Have you thought about acting?’ ‘I’m sorry?’ ‘Acting. You’re good enough. Bit of training and you’d be away.’ ‘What?’ ‘Or … More

The book has been working at my desk, which means it looks as though I have been burgled. ‘I can’t … More

I have given myself the afternoon off. I have sat for hours in good faith at my desk, all in … More

I am watching a particularly bleak episode of Wallander when the book pops its head round the door. It stands … More

‘You don’t have to do this you know.’ The book has appeared out of nowhere, while my back was turned … More

It has been a long day. Arriving home late and wanting nothing more than a bath and an early night, … More

The book has vanished. I don’t mean left the house, or popped out to see a friend. I mean vanished. … More

I have said goodbye to the poem. For a while, a long while, we were not even speaking. After the … More